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Tinder and Australian NGO Release Safety Guide

Dating app Tinder has released the Dating Safety Guide in collaboration with Australian NGO WESNET (The Women’s Services Network).  The 20 page document outlines the app’s safety features and rules, as well as advice for those dating online and offline.

The partnership between the app and NGO comes as online dating platforms have come under fire in Australia. Politicians in the country have publicly discussed plans to bolster regulation on dating platforms in order to tackle distressing statistics regarding sexual assault and abuse.

WESNET is a national body that works to support survivors of domestic and family violence, and is an expert on violence against women which originates in technology. 

The guide lays out Tinder’s House Rules and Community Guidelines, highlight what is and isn’t allowed on the platform. It also explains how users can protect themselves, taking advantage of the Report, Block, and Unmatch features, for example.

It also provides advice for when dates occur in person, advising that users video call beforehand to get a vibe for the other person. It also advises that users share the details of the date with others beforehand,  and to keep track of their drink to avoid spiking.

“Safety is a priority for us at Tinder and across the Match Group platform. Our members trust us with the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of their lives. We have an ongoing commitment to member safety and education and this initiative aims to create more awareness of the safety tools and resources available for our members”, said Buddy Loomis, Head of Trust and Safety Outreach & Engagement, Match Group. 

“We have been working over the past few  months to launch this initiative and we’ll continue to educate our members both on and off the app, through our in-app education campaigns as well as via external campaigns with help from crucial partners like WESNET”, she continued.

Karen Bentley, CEO of WESNET added “This guide is about empowering people to use dating apps, like Tinder, safely. It’s a reminder for daters to think thoroughly, act accordingly and respond respectfully. This is such important work and we are pleased to be partnering with Tinder to support their efforts and spread awareness amongst Australians – both members and non-members”.

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